DepEd issues guidelines for random drug testing of students

The Department of Education has announced the issuance of guidelines for the conduct of random drug testing of students in public and private secondary schools.

As indicated in the Department Order (DO) 40 and issued on August 8, 2017, the drug testing for the School Year 2017-2018 shall follow the parameters laid down by Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs of 2002.

The conduct of the testing will also be based on the RA 9165 Implementing Rules and Regulations, as well as the Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 6, S. 2003 as amended by Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 3, Series of 2009.

DO 40 also provides that "all DepEd orders and other related issuances that are inconsistent with the guidelines are repealed, rescinded, or modified accordingly."

"This policy shall take effect immediate upon its publication on www.deped.govph," the DO said. —LBG, GMA News